Workplace health and safety is essential for any business. A healthy and safe workplace is not only good for employees and customers but also a necessary part of a well-functioning, successful business. Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) are critical to ensuring a safe and sound work environment.
What is a Certified Industrial Hygienist?
A Certified Industrial Hygienist provides professional services to identify, evaluate, and control occupational health hazards. They are aware of the fields of engineering, toxicology, industrial hygiene, chemistry, and safety to help protect workers and customers from exposure to hazardous workplace conditions.
What Does a Certified Industrial Hygienist Do?
A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) protects workers from hazardous conditions and ensures their health and safety. With their knowledge, experience, and CIH certification, a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can make a real difference in ensuring your workplace is safe. A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is an individual who has completed a comprehensive study program, passed an examination, and met other requirements set forth by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC).
The CIH certification is a mark of excellence that signifies occupational health and safety expertise. A CIH is trained to identify and assess potential hazards within the workplace such as exposure to dangerous chemicals, poor air quality, and excessive noise. Additionally, a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can imply corrective measures and advise management on eliminating these hazards. Having an experienced CIH consultant lets you know that your workplace meets total health and safety standards and regulations.
Credential of a Board-Certified Industrial Hygienist
Why is a Certified Industrial Hygienist Often Preferred Over an Industrial Hygienist?
- A Certified Industrial Hygienist is often called upon to serve as an Expert Witness in legal matters because of their superior knowledge and experience.
- Regulatory agencies are much more likely to accept the findings and solutions of a CIH in regard to health and safety violations.
- A CIH is more likely to find the cause and solutions to complex exposure issues such as indoor air quality because of its inherent complexity.
- The return on investment (ROI), i.e. money spent, is more likely to be realized when you hire a CIH for a complex investigation.
Responsibilities of an Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist is a professional who is responsible for evaluating and preventing risks posed by hazardous environments. CIHs have specialized knowledge in occupational health and safety, health, and the environment, which allows them to identify, assess, and eliminate potential workplace hazards. Now we will look closer into the core duties of all Industrial Hygienists.
1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification
An Industrial Hygienist with the appropriate certification is well-equipped to identify potential risks and hazards in the workplace. Through their knowledge and expertise, an Industrial Hygienist can assess the potential health risks of workers and develop a plan to eliminate or reduce them.
2. Evaluation of Workplace Environments and Conditions
An Industrial Hygienist can assess the potential hazards in a workplace and determine what is needed to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. They conduct evaluations to identify potential sources of exposure and look at the physical environment to determine what is necessary to mitigate any risks.
3.Development of Occupational Health and Workplace Safety Programs
An Industrial Hygienist is qualified to develop robust health and safety programs that comply with regulatory standards. They are trained to identify, analyze, and evaluate potential workplace hazards and create solutions that prevent harm. CIHs can also develop training programs to ensure that workers understand their health and safety responsibilities.
4. Implementation of Controls and Corrective Measures
An Industrial Hygienist implements controls and corrective measures to reduce workplace risks. This includes identifying sources of hazard, evaluating the exposure levels, selecting appropriate control measures, and setting up monitoring systems to ensure that the control measures are effective. The hygienist must also be able to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the control measures over time.
5. Training and Education of Workers
An Industrial Hygienist is responsible for educating workers about potential health and health and safety risks in the workplace. They provide training on topics such as recognizing hazards and controlling risks. This helps employees stay informed and aware of their work environment and any potential risks the workers or the public may be exposed to.
6. Compliance With Regulations and Standards
An Industrial Hygienist is an expert in workplace safety and can help ensure that your workplace meets all legal and industry standards. They perform a risk assessment and hazard identification, evaluate workplace environments and conditions, develop health and safety programs, and provide training and education for workers. With their help, you can rest assured that your workplace is safe and secure for all.
Benefits of Hiring a Certified Industrial Hygienist
1. Reduction of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Hiring an Industrial Hygienist can help reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and illnesses. By assessing and evaluating the workplace environment, an Industrial Hygienist can identify potential risks and hazards and develop strategies to control or eliminate them. This can reduce team members’ exposure to hazardous materials, reducing the chance of injury or illness.
2. Increased Productivity and Morale
An Industrial Hygienist can help improve productivity and morale in the workplace by promoting a healthy and safe working environment. Identifying potential hazards can create preventative measures and ensure compliance with standards to reduce team member injuries and illnesses. This, in turn, will lead to higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction.
3. Avoidance of Fines and Legal Liabilities
Hiring an Industrial Hygienist can help ensure that your workplace complies with relevant safety regulations and standards, avoiding fines or any other legal liabilities. This can save you time and money and ensure your workplace is safe and secure.
4. Protection of Reputation and Brand Image
Having an Industrial Hygienist on staff can help protect your company’s reputation and brand image by demonstrating your commitment to safety. By proactively identifying and addressing potential health and safety risks, CIHs are an invaluable asset in maintaining a safe work environment for your employees and clients. This can help you gain customers’ trust and maintain a positive public image.
How to Find a Certified Industrial Hygienist
When selecting an Industrial Hygienist, it is crucial to consider the size and complexity of your workplace. If your workplace is large or has hazardous materials, you may need an industrial hygienist with more specialized experience. Additionally, ensure that the Industrial Hygienist knows any applicable local, state and federal regulations.
To make an informed decision, asking questions during the hiring process is important. You should inquire about the Industrial Hygienist’s experience, certifications, qualifications and references. Furthermore, ask about their approach to risk assessment and hazard identification and their ability to develop health and safety programs. Finally, ask about their fees and services.
IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. consulting firm is led by Stuart D. Bagley, MS CIH CSP, a seasoned professional with a Master of Science degree in Industrial Hygiene and a bachelor’s degree in biology. With over 30 years of experience, IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. offers a full range of services in the areas of environment, health, and safety, including testing for indoor air quality and electromagnetic fields to ensure the well-being of occupants in various establishments.
Finding an Industrial Hygienist is key to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace environment. Contact your local professional organizations and safety networks for further recommendations. By taking the time to research and select a qualified CIH, you can ensure that your workplace remains safe and compliant with all regulations.
Final Thoughts
A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a worthwhile, investable asset to any workplace. They are experts in identifying and managing risks that may be present in the workplace, as well as educating employers and employees on proper health and safety protocols. By implementing adequate safety standards and practices, employers can reduce their liability and ensure the safety of their staff and customers alike.
The goal of every employer should be to ensure that the environment is safe, comfortable, and healthy for everyone in the organization. Investing in a Certified Industrial Hygienist may help you achieve that goal and keep your workplace running smoothly and safely.
Stuart D. Bagley, MS CIH CSP is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Safety Professional with 30 years of experience in the field.
Contact IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc.